6th AD: Mata takes aim at fellow Democrat Ramos, again

Giovanni Mata, one-time chair of former County Executive Steve Levy’s Hispanic advisory committee, has filed petitions to run a Democratic primary for a second time against Assemb. Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood), a 12-year Albany veteran.

Mata, 34, filed by mail 590 signatures with the Suffolk Board of Elections, which arrived at the Yaphank offices Friday. Mata, of Brentwood,...

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He-e-e-e’s back.

Giovanni Mata, one-time chair of former County Executive Steve Levy’s Hispanic advisory committee, has filed petitions to run a Democratic primary for a second time against Assemb. Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood), a 12-year Albany veteran.

Mata, 34, filed by mail 590 signatures with the Suffolk Board of Elections, which arrived at the Yaphank offices Friday. Mata, of Brentwood, tried to challenge Ramos four years ago but was thrown off the ballot because he did not file enough legitimate signatures.

Ramos, who earlier in the week filed 1,502 signatures, said he welcomed Mata’s candidacy because it “gives me an opportunity to discuss issues and celebrate our democracy.” Ramos, however, also said he will review Mata’s signatures to determine if has enough legitimate signatures to qualify for the ballot.